Every Good Boy Does Fine: Poetry and Prose

Author: Calvin Arsenia

Number of Pages: 208

Both a journey of individual healing and a call for action, these poems show that, with a little love and acceptance, anyone can flourish. From one of Kansas City’s most exciting singers Calvin Arsenia, comes a debut book of poetry and prose, Every Good Boy Does Fine. Named for the classic mnemonic used to teach the lines of the treble clef (EGBDF), his collection speaks to his passion as a musician and also his deep and tumultuous history in the Evangelical community. Arsenia includes elements of queer poetry, writings on racial awakening, Christian de-conversion, sexual awakenings in a homophobic community, and music terminology basics with the hopes that, when finished reading, readers will feel ready to start their own journey of self-expression through music and performance. A profoundly thoughtful and enlightening work, Arsenia uses his lyrical talent to show that there is always somewhere to go no matter where you are coming from. ‘Glowing with warmth, vulnerability, and a heavy heart, Arsenia’s intimate reflections depict the past and present wrestling within the individual as he endeavors to chart his own course in the world.’ – Atwood Magazine